You probably don’t need additional excuses to enjoy a piece of chocolate, but did you know that researchers have discovered a connection between chocolate and higher brain functions?
“These studies show us that the higher concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity, and other beneficial effects,” wrote Less S. Berk, a researcher at Loma Linda University in California.
Overall, NAU Canada Online listed six reasons why eating chocolate while studying is a healthy and recommended activity:
1. Chocolate elevates your mood.
Dark chocolate especially enhances your body’s production of chemicals called endorphins.
2. Chocolate improves blood flow to the brain.
Eating chocolate or drinking hot chocolate improved attention span and reaction time. It was especially found to be helpful when studying math.
3. Chocolate improves focus and memory.
With a small dose of caffeine, chocolate can improve concentration without pumping up your adrenaline.
4. Chocolate relieves stress.
Chocolate contains magnesium, which has been linked to aiding relaxation.
5. Chocolate protects your brain.
Antioxidants found in chocolate are credited with decreasing the risks of dementia and strokes.
6. Chocolate can make you smarter.
Chocolate reportedly enhances brain plasticity, which is associated with increased intelligence.
